Chapter 40 Chapter 40 Chapter 40 Edith was only twenty-four or twenty-five, far too young to bear all this-for anyone, really. But Edith was tougher than Jayne ever imagined. She fluffed the pillow behind Jayne's back, then tucked the blanket around her mother. "Mom, get some more rest. I can handle things on my own. Don't worry so much-just wait for me here at home, okay?" Hawksley Estate. Dinner time. Justin sat with a cup of tea at his elbow as the maids carried in platter after platter of food. Sarah put her phone aside with a scoff. "Honestly, people these days have nothing better to do. All they want is to gossip about other people's lives." Father Benedict lowered his newspaper. His glasses had slipped down his nose, and he peered over them at Sarah. "What have you seen now? More scandalous rumors? Is it about our family?" He could guess-if something had Sarah this riled up, it was almost certainly gossip about the Hawksleys. Sarah's anger was barely contained; she even slapped the table in frustration. Justin glanced up, finally noticing the tension. He frowned. "Is it those tabloids again? Writing nonsense about me being sick or something? I don't care, Mom. Next time you see that rubbish, just scroll past it. It's not worth your energy." Letting people like that get to you was always a mistake. Sarah took a breath, trying to compose herself. "These little rats are getting smarter. They know the Hawksleys won't let them off easy, so they've stopped targeting us directly. But now they're after the Sumners..." 1/3 12:23 Chapter 40 Justin's easygoing expression vanished, replaced by a sudden seriousness. He straightened in his chair, tension obvious in his posture. "What are they saying?" Sarah rolled her eyes, exasperated. "They're claiming Heather went to the Sumners' today and made a scene. Accused Edith of being unable to have children and said she wanted to ruin the Vance family's future. Can you believe that? It's infuriating!" Father Benedict set his glasses aside, equally annoyed. "Heather's behaving like a total shrew. Why not end things quietly, like decent people? Why drag family matters out in public and give everyone something to talk about?" Justin stood abruptly, brows knitted. "Hey, where are you going? Not staying for dinner?" Sarah called after him. He was about to head to the Sumners' place-though he hadn't said as much-when the housekeeper appeared at the doorway, ushering Edith inside. Edith kept her head down, looking like a child caught doing something wrong, her polite smile barely masking her nerves as she greeted each member of the Hawksley family in turn. Justin found himself frozen, unsure whether to stand or sit. He just stared at Edith for a moment. That moment alone was enough to make Edith's heart race. She wondered if the rumors had already reached the Hawksleys. Of course they had. The Hawksleys weren't like other families-after all, they were set to marry into the Sumners, so whatever happened over there was bound to matter more. Edith bit her lip, steeling herself. "Mr. Hawksley, Mrs. Hawksley, Father Benedict-good evening. I came here tonight because there are some things I need to talk to you about." 2/3 12:23 Chapter 40 Seeing how tense she was, Justin felt a pang of sympathy. He stepped forward, took her hand, and led her to the dining table, pulling out the chair beside his. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Whatever it is, dinner comes first. Sit down and have something to eat." Edith glanced at the spread-dish after dish, every plate brimming with food. The Sumners had thrown a huge buffet that day, but she hadn't managed a single bite. She was hungry, but she knew her place. She shook her head. "I'll pass on dinner. I'd rather... say what I came to say first." 3/3 In "Carrying His Triplets, Becoming His Wifey" by CrushReel, follow Daisy's journey as she navigates financial turmoil triggered by her father's betrayal. Struggling to fund her education, Daisy takes up an unconventional job at a strip club in a bid to regain control over her destiny. Amidst the complexities of her dual life, Daisy finds unexpected solace in the form of a mysterious billionaire. As their worlds collide, the story unfolds with themes of resilience, love, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. This modern romance novel intricately weaves together elements of sacrifice, ambition, and the power of human connection. Set against the backdrop of opulence and intrigue, "Carrying His Triplets, Becoming His Wifey" promises a captivating tale that transcends traditional boundaries of love and family. Experience this unique blend of romance and drama that sets CrushReel's narrative apart in the realm of sweet romance novels. Available to read online at CrushReel, immerse yourself in a story that defies conventions and explores the depths of the human heart.